Technology has enormous potential to improve the situation of the most disadvantaged workers, particularly migrants and refugees in low-wage jobs. But it can also exacerbate power imbalances that lead to worker exploitation.

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Migration & Asylum

Across the globe, from Africa to Southeast Asia, instability and persecution have forced thousands of people to leave their countries and seek protection elsewhere. The Open Society Foundations support groups that work on a broad range of issues affecting the safety and well-being of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

We believe that migration and asylum policy should be grounded in economic and demographic realities, not driven by temporary political considerations or popular misconceptions. In Europe, many of our civil society partners are raising their voices demanding a common European approach in line with international human rights commitments. We also support legal action aimed at ensuring governments meet their obligations under international law to treat all migrants with dignity, and offer them asylum when circumstances dictate.

Volunteers and civil society organizations are showing a responsible and humane way to help those fleeing war and persecution. These practical expressions of solidarity with the plight of refugees highlight the important role of civil society and the readiness of thousands of ordinary citizens to do more.

Recent Work

This report examines five areas in which digital platforms are being developed to protect and empower migrant workers, and considers legal, ethical, and technological implications, and the risks associated with them.

Technology has enormous potential to improve the situation of the most disadvantaged workers, particularly migrants and refugees in low-wage jobs. But it can also exacerbate power imbalances that lead to worker exploitation.

The government of Bangladesh has already promised to uphold its obligation to register newborn Rohingya refugees. For the sake of international law—and the children’s future—it must stop dragging its feet.